The Olympic gold medal-winning team politely declined President Donald Trump’s request to attend a speech in the nation’s capital.
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Published February 24, 2026
The US women’s ice hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, US media reported. This comes after President Trump joked that he would be “impeached” if he did not request his attendance.
NBC cited a statement from the women’s team on Monday saying the players “will not be able to participate” in the State of the Union.
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“We are deeply grateful for the invitation to join the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and are deeply grateful for the recognition of their extraordinary accomplishments,” the statement said.
“Due to timing and academic and professional commitments scheduled after the Olympics, the athletes will not be able to participate.”
It is traditional for both Republicans and Democrats to invite guests to watch the president’s annual address to Congress, and President Trump on Sunday invited the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s ice hockey team.
Team USA’s women’s team defeated Canada 2-1 on Thursday to win the gold medal for the first time since 2018.
A video shared online shows Trump speaking on speakerphone during a call with the men’s team, saying, “We have to bring the women’s team, you know that,” before inviting them to speak, and the players burst into laughter.
“I believe I’ll probably be impeached, okay?” the president added.
It is unclear whether the men’s team has officially accepted President Trump’s invitation, but cheers of “I’ll be there” can be heard.
AFP has contacted the team for comment.
